The Chinese Basketball Association is set to resume play early next month and players from around the world are returning to the country to prepare.
Among the Americans involved are Jeremy Lin, Lance Stephenson and Ty Lawson.
Jeremy Lin, the former standout guard and overnight New York Knicks sensation, previously carried the Beijing Ducks to a 19-11 record while averaging 24 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Stephenson, meanwhile, was playing so well in his first season with the Liaonang Leopards that many speculated that a return to the NBA was just around the corner.
However, the rapid spread of the coronavirus delayed Stephenson’s efforts for an NBA return.
The virus has also affected the travel capability of some international CBA players, including former NBA big man Hamed Haddadi, who hasn’t yet been able to leave his home country of Iran.
The coronavirus has halted travel for millions around the globe, but the CBA is hoping that Haddadi and other international players will be able to return in time for next month’s resumption of play.
CBA players will be quarantined for fourteen days before being allowed to participate in team activities.
At this point, the NBA season may be lost, but at least basketball will persist in China.